Brandon Ellingson
Brandon Ellingson's father, Craig Ellingson, describes him as a great kid who did not deserve to be treated the way he was that day. Brandon drowned in 2014 after falling off a Missouri Highway Patrol boat at the Lake of the Ozarks while he was handcuffed and in the patrol's custody. Former trooper Anthony Piercy was involved, and Piercy later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of negligent operation of a vessel in connection with the death. Craig Ellingson says he believes Piercy is responsible and that the patrol failed to protect his son.
Cause of death, as reported: Died in an accident (disputed; neglect alleged). Brandon fell off a Missouri Highway Patrol boat while handcuffed and drowned; his father says trooper Anthony Piercy is responsible and that the patrol failed to protect his son.
Reported by: Craig Ellingson (father) (family or their lawyers); Missouri court (Piercy's guilty plea to negligent operation of a vessel) (court).